Timberwolves vs Hornets Odds, Spread & Picks (Nov. 25)
It took a while, but the Minnesota Timberwolves (10-8, 5-3 road) have finally hit their stride. The T-Wolves have reeled off five straight wins, four of which have come on the road, and will look to make it five straight when they travel to Charlotte on Friday to face the Hornets (5-14, 2-6 home)
Online sportsbooks like their chances in the NBA odds, as they’ve been pegged as away favorites ahead of the 5 pm ET tip.
Timberwolves vs Hornets Odds
Odds as of November 24 at FanDuel Sportsbook. Claim the FanDuel Sportsbook promo code to bet on the Timberwolves vs Hornets game.
Minnesota is currently a 4.5-point favorite, after opening at -3.5. Even at the new number the Timberwolves are still drawing plenty of action, with 80% of the spread tickets expecting them to cover.
The contest features a total of 225, but that number could be on the way up. 82% of all money wagered on the total is backing the over, as are 58% of the over/under wagers.
Minnesota Timberwolves Betting Analysis
The T-Wolves are fresh off a 115-101 victory over the Pacers, snapping Indiana’s five-game winning streak along the way.
Minnesota got 23 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists from Karl-Anthony Towns, while all five starters scored in double-figures. Rudy Gobert posted a double-double of his own (21p, 16r), as did D’Angelo Russell (15p, 11a). The team shot a blistering 60% from the field, and should feast in the paint on Friday.
The T-Wolves rank seventh in points in the paint and second in two-point field goal percentage, thanks in large part to their twin towers KAT and Gobert. Charlotte meanwhile, ranks bottom-eight defending the paint.
Speaking of defense, Minnesota held Indiana to its second lowest point total of the season, and come in having limited four straight opponents below 110 points.
Offensively, they’re averaging 117 points per outing during their winnings streak, and rank top-12 in scoring, assists, and effective field goal percentage.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Analysis
While the T-Wolves have won five straight, the Hornets have won just five games all season. One of those victories came on Wednesday, as they snuck past a Philly team missing its three best players.
Terry Rozier led the way with 22 points, as he continues to carry the offensive burden thanks to a plethora of Charlotte injuries. P.J. Washington added 19 points, while Nick Richards chipped in a double-double (13p, 13r).
The Hornets shot 48% from the field, but hit only 6 of 23 triples, and a dismal 62% of their free throws. Charlotte has struggled all season shooting the ball, both from inside and outside the arc. They’re dead last in effective field goal percentage and offensive rating, and third worst in three-point efficiency.
Defensively, the outlook has been nearly as bad which isn’t surprising given their record. They’re 22nd in points allowed and bottom-11 in defensive rating.
As mentioned, they’ve been hit hard by injuries and will be shorthanded again on Friday. Starting point guard LaMelo Ball (ankle) has already been ruled out, as has his backup Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle). Top reserve Cody Martin (knee) is dealing with a multi-week injury, while Gordon Hayward (shoulder) is questionable.
Timberwolves vs Hornets Prediction
Prior to their victory over the shorthanded Sixers, the Hornets had lost 11 of 12. They failed to cover the spread in nine of those contests, and their 7-11-1 ATS record is one of the seven worst marks in the league.
Without Ball, the offense lacks an identity, and Rozier simply isn’t meant to be the top scoring option on any NBA team. Charlotte is soft on the glass and down low, and that’s going to be exposed by Minnesota.
Minnesota Timberwolves Last 5 Results
The Timberwolves are cooking at both ends of the court right now. They’ve already posted wins over Cleveland, Philly and Miami during this streak, three top-12 NBA Championship odds contenders, and should have no problem taking care of one of the worst teams in the league.
Pick: Minnesota Timberwolves -4.5 (-110)
